Childminder in Stoke-on-Trent

Overall effectiveness Good

The quality of education Good Behaviour and attitudes Good Personal development Good Leadership and management Good Overall effectiveness at previous inspection Not applicable

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The provision is good

Children are happy and settled with this caring childminder. She speaks to children calmly and reassuringly. Children develop loving relationships with the childminder and enjoy the fun activities and resources she provides. Children become engaged in their play and remain focused for long periods of time. The childminder makes observations as children play and learn and uses the information to identify the next steps in their learning.

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The provision is good

Children learn through an effective balance of adult-led and child-initiated activities. As a result, children make good progress from their starting points. Children's behaviour is good. The childminder gives clear instructions and children understand what is expected from them. Children receive lots of praise and encouragement from the childminder, which helps to develop their confidence and boosts their self- esteem.

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The provision is good

Children have an abundance of experiences that help to develop their understanding of the world. They take part in regular outings to the local nature conservation area where they feed the ducks, and they practise their physical skills at the park. The childminder's garden has a range of opportunities that capture children's curiosity. They have fun using the ride-on toys and exploring the role- play area. Children learn about cultures and celebrations that are different from their own. They enjoy craft activities and exploring the different textures during 'messy' play activities.

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need to do better?

n Children learn good hygiene routines and wash their hands before eating snacks. The childminder understands the importance of promoting a healthy lifestyle. She provides children with healthy snacks and children enjoy being active outside in the fresh air. n The childminder teaches children about 'people who help us' and different services and roles. The childminder works with another childminder to organise visits from the fire service and the police. Children have lots of fun exploring the fire truck. They are made aware of risks and learn how to keep themselves safe. n The childminder supports children's communication and language skills effectively. She calmly repeats words back so that children can hear the correct pronunciation, and she uses the word in a simple sentence, which adds to their developing vocabulary. Children are supported to develop a love of books. They sit close to the childminder and talk about the different animals they see in the

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need to do better?

books. Younger children enjoy making the different animal sounds and excitedly say, 'quack quack' when they see a picture of a duck. n The childminder engages children in activities and is skilful at extending their

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need to do better?

13 August 2021 learning as they play. Children use their imagination as they pretend to make ice creams in the role-play ice-cream parlour. The childminder narrates their play and asks questions. However, on occasions, the childminder does not give children enough time to think and respond to questions before providing an answer. n Children are supported to develop independence skills. For example, they learn to put on their coats and shoes before going outside to play. The childminder sensitively talks to the children about their eventual move to school and completes transition reports. However, she has yet to develop partnership working with the local schools that children will eventually move on to. This means that the arrangements in place to aid smooth transitions are not robust enough. n The childminder has developed positive relationships with parents. She seeks their views and opinions through questionnaires and values what they say. She

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need to do better?

uses feedback that she receives to support any improvements. The childminder keeps parents informed of the care their children receive and the progress they are making. n The childminder has remained open throughout the COVID-19 (coronavirus) pandemic. She has worked well throughout to maintain consistency for the children. Parents speak highly of the childminder. They say their children have come on in 'leaps and bounds' and they feel content in knowing that their children are safe in the care of the childminder. n The childminder is passionate and dedicated about her role. She completes regular training to help keep her skills and knowledge up to date. The childminder reflects on her provision and looks for ways to improve her practice even further. She is enthusiastic about providing exciting experiences and new learning opportunities for children.

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Safeguarding

The arrangements for safeguarding are effective.

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Safeguarding

The childminder has a clear understanding of the signs that may indicate a child is at risk of abuse or neglect. She has good knowledge of safeguarding protocols and actions to take if there are any concerns over a child's welfare. The childminder keeps her knowledge up to date on wider safeguarding issues, including preventing children from being drawn into situations that put them at risk. The childminder implements a variety of records, policies and procedures, which help to support children's welfare. She conducts regular risk assessments of the areas children use and when taking children on outings.

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should:

13 August 2021 n provide children with more time to respond to questions to support their thinking and speaking skills even further n develop partnerships with the local feeder schools to support smooth transitions for children who are ready for their next stage of education.

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Setting details

Unique reference number EY556285 Local authority Stoke-on-Trent Inspection number 10174917 Type of provision Childminder Registers Early Years Register Day care type Childminder

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inspection

Total number of places 3 Number of children on roll 5 Date of previous inspection Not applicable

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Information about this early years setting

The childminder registered in 2018. The childminder operates from 7.30am to 5pm, Monday to Friday all year round.

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Inspection activities

n This was the first routine inspection the childminder received since the COVID- 19 (coronavirus) pandemic began. The inspector discussed the impact of the pandemic with the childminder and took that into account in her evaluation. n The inspector completed a learning walk with the childminder and discussed how she implements her educational programme. n The quality of teaching and the impact on children's learning was observed. n The inspector held a number of discussions with the childminder at appropriate times during the inspection. n The inspector looked at relevant documentation and evidence of the suitability of persons living in the household.

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Inspection activities

We carried out this inspection under sections 49 and 50 of the Childcare Act 2006 on the quality and standards of provision that is registered on the Early Years Register. The registered person must ensure that this provision complies with the statutory framework for children's learning, development and care, known as the early years foundation stage.

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Inspection activities

13 August 2021 13 August 2021 regulates and inspects to achieve excellence in the care of children and young people, and in education and skills for learners of all ages. It regulates and inspects childcare and children's social care, and inspects the Children and Family Court Advisory and Support Service (Cafcass), schools, colleges, initial teacher training, further education and skills, adult and community learning, and education and training in prisons and other secure establishments. It assesses council children's services, and inspects services for looked after children, safeguarding and child protection.

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

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Inspection activities

T: 0300 123 1231 Textphone: 0161 618 8524 E: enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk W: www.gov.uk/ofsted

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